Carmen Castillo, a remarkable individual, first took her first breath in the vibrant city of Santiago de Chile, a place where she would later find herself entwined in the country's tumultuous politics. It was during this formative period that she had the privilege of working alongside the illustrious Salvador Allende at the esteemed La Moneda Palace, an experience that would undoubtedly shape her future endeavors.
However, fate had other plans for Castillo. Her life took a drastic and devastating turn following the tragic demise of her partner, Miguel Enriquez, at the hands of the military. This senseless act of violence left Castillo reeling, pregnant and injured, with no choice but to flee her homeland in search of solace.
With a heavy heart and a determination to escape the darkness that had befallen her, Castillo sought refuge in the distant land of France, a country that would provide her with a temporary haven from the turmoil that had ravaged her life.
Noted documentary filmmaker, Castillo has taken the reins on a plethora of projects for prominent French television channels, including TF1, FR3, and Arte, as well as the esteemed Franco-German channel Arte.
Early in her illustrious career, Castillo's work included the direction of Los muros de Santiago, a documentary that premiered in 1983, followed by Estado de guerra: Nicaragua, which was released in 1984. Her 1993 documentary, La Flaca Alejandra, garnered widespread critical acclaim, taking home the prestigious Golden FIPA award at the Cannes Film Festival, as well as accolades at various other esteemed film festivals, including those held in Geneva, Monte Carlo, San Francisco, and New York.
Castillo's subsequent documentaries delved into a diverse array of themes, including politics and culture, showcasing her versatility as a documentary filmmaker. Her body of work includes the 1995 documentary "La verdadera leyenda del Subcomandante Marcos", which explored the life and legacy of the legendary Mexican revolutionary leader. The following year, she directed "Inca de oro", a documentary that examined the cultural and historical significance of the Inca Empire.
In 1999, Castillo released "El bolero, una educación amorosa", a documentary that won First Prize at the Annecy Festival. The film explored the art of the bolero, a traditional Colombian dance, and its role in shaping the country's cultural identity. The next year, she directed "Viaje con la cumbia por Colombia", a documentary that took viewers on a musical journey through Colombia, highlighting the country's rich musical heritage.
Castillo's subsequent documentaries continued to explore themes of culture and identity. In 2000, she released "María Félix, la inalcanzable", a documentary that delved into the life and career of the legendary Mexican actress. The following year, she directed "El Camino del Inca", a documentary that explored the history and culture of the Inca Empire.
In 2002, Castillo released "El astronomo y el indio", a documentary that won First Prize at the Paris Scientific Film Festival. The film examined the intersection of science and indigenous culture, highlighting the contributions of indigenous peoples to our understanding of the universe. The following year, she directed "José Saramago, el tiempo de una memoria", a documentary that explored the life and work of the Portuguese novelist and playwright.
Castillo's 2003 documentary "Mísia, la voz del fado" showcased the life and career of the Portuguese singer Mísia, known for her soulful voice and traditional fado music. The following year, she released "El país de mi padre", a documentary that explored the life and legacy of her father, a prominent Colombian politician. The documentary won Second Prize at the Fidocs festival in Santiago de Chile.
Between 1994 and 1999, Castillo not only excelled in documentary filmmaking but also ventured into the realm of fiction, directing a series of feature films for Arte, aptly titled Tierras extranjeras. This remarkable body of work showcased her versatility and talent as a filmmaker.
Noted Chilean filmmaker and writer, Castillo, has made significant contributions to the world of cinema, penning scripts for a multitude of films, with several already having been completed, including the critically acclaimed "Inca de oro" and "Color Habana". Moreover, her literary talents have been showcased through the publication of numerous books, with some notable examples being "Un día de octubre en Santiago", released in 1980, "Ligne de fuite", published in 1987, and "Santiago/Paris, el vuelo de la memoria", a collaborative effort with Mónica Echeverría, which debuted in the year 2000.
